Formworker

How to become a formworker

There are several routes to becoming a formworker. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, or on the job training by applying to an employer directly.  

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

College/training provider

To start you on your journey to becoming a formworker, you could complete a relevant course provided by a local college or training provider, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery to become a formworker.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a formworker. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced formworker and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a formworker. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a formworker include: 

• Knowledge of building and construction
• The ability to work well with your hands
• Problem-solving skills
• Practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills.

Qualifications

What does a formworker do?

As a formworker, you’ll be responsible for using casts to form concrete slabs, support beams and walls, to support the building process during construction.

The job role of a formworker involves the following duties: 

• Creating forms for bridges, foundations, beams and staircases
• Building structures on site using wood or putting together metal frames that have been made elsewhere
• Dismantling casts without damaging them, so that they can be used again
• Measuring, cutting and shaping wood or metal 
• Working closely with your team to pour concrete into moulds
• Checking work for accuracy
• Producing concrete blocks of exactly the right shape and size for whatever needs building.

How much could you earn as a formworker?

The expected salary for a formworker varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained formworkers can earn £19,000 - £25,000
• Trained formworkers with some experience can earn £25,000 - £40,000
• Senior formworkers can earn up to £65,000*
• Self-employed formworkers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest formworker vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Trovit

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a formworker, you could continue training and transfer your skills to a similar role such as carpenter, or work as a general construction operative.